Kiddipedia
As we adjust to the “new normal” that the global pandemic has created, it is important to keep track of what our kids are doing online and just how much time they are spending on tablets, computers and phones.
When monitored correctly, smart phones, tablets and online tools are a blessing for keeping kids entertained, educated and connected while we are not able to have as many play dates as we used to.
Social Media Expert, Meg Coffey, shares her tips below on how to manage screen time and prevent social media bullying.
SCREEN TIME TIPS
- Put the timer on your kids apps so that they are limited to a certain amount of usage each day. You can set the limit for different apps based on what you think they really need access to, this also allows you to monitor exactly how much time is being spent on phones and tablets.
- Keep phones, tablets and computers in a different room during key moments like mealtime or dedicated homework time. This removes any temptation!
- Ask yourself why your kids are using the screen. Are they bored? Do they really need to be online? Is there another activity that would be more beneficial for them?
BULLYING
- Parents need to be aware of the technology – what apps their kids are using and what those apps actually do – there are so many “fake” calculators that are actually chat apps. So recognize what your kids are using and monitor that usage. Any change is a sign.
- Keep screen time limited to a few hours per day outside of schoolwork
- Talk openly with your children about the signs of bullying and trolling. Ask yourself what you would do if it was your child that’s the bully. How would you handle that?
- Keep technology out of the bedroom. The difference for when parents were kids is that the bullying stopped once we got home. Now our bullies can have access to us 24/7. Parents need to protect their kids and put a physical barrier in effect.
- Have strong conversations with your child about whether or not they are ready for certain apps. What do they NEED them for? Make sure you have all the passwords at all times. Fake accounts result in no accounts. It comes down to being a present parent if I’m honest. There’s no way to stop the bullying without intervention.
Meg is the founder of State of Social, Australia’s largest social media conference, and #SMPerth, the city’s ‘go-to source for the latest news in the digital space and a community for those to learn and share.’
Meg says “The reality is digital isn’t going anywhere.. My job is to take the fear of social away and replace it with a sense of confidence and excitement about how technology can work for us today, and well into the future.”
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